Obituary of William Jay West

William “Bill” Jay West, 75, formerly of Niantic, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown surrounded by his family. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 12, 1943, son of the late Philip and Roberta (Watrous) West. He was raised in Rocky Hill, Connecticut before moving to Old Saybrook, Connecticut and had lived in Chester and Essex, Connecticut before moving to Niantic in 2004.  He graduated from Old Saybrook High School and after graduation he served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War until June 28, 1965.  Upon his return, he took a position at RR Donnelley and soon after with the Department of Transportation for the State of Connecticut where he worked until his retirement.  After his 32 years of service, he began a second (seasonal) career as a greens keeper at Clinton Country Club.  During his younger years, he was in the color guard for the Sailing Masters of 1812 in Essex, he was a Deacon and a Trustee at the Ivoryton Congregational Church, a volunteer member for the Essex Ambulance and was a lifetime member of the S-X Sportsman Association of Ivoryton.  Bill had hobbies and lots of them.  He loved camping, hiking, bicycling, modified stock car races and Nascar, fishing, making maple syrup, beekeeping, golfing, gardening and he was an arborist.  He loved the beach and his favorite spot was the Hole in the Wall in Niantic. He loved country music but his biggest love was his family.  He supported and cheered his grandchildren at all of their school events, recitals, soccer games and achievements.  He was a proud Dad and Grandfather.  

He leaves behind his two daughters, Lisa West Wilder Carideo and her husband William of Colchester, and Kimberly West Howley and her husband Keith of East Haddam.  In addition, he leaves three grandchildren Sierra Wilder, Kelsey Wilder and Jonathon Howley.  He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond West.  He leaves behind his former wife Elizabeth Bombaci West.  He was a “Friend of Bill W” for 35 continuous years; a great accomplishment for which he was very proud of.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship and will be missed by all who were his friend.  The family would like to thank the excellent nursing staff at Middlesex Hospital; Comfort Care Unit. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 5:00PM to7:00PM at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 2:00PM at the United Church of Chester, 29 West Main Street in Chester.  Interment with rendering of Full Military Honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 59 Sheffield Street in Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002.  To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com.